This World Autism Awareness Month, we are running a telephone fundraising campaign, speaking to potential regular donors about our work. 

Since 2015 we have almost doubled the amount of research that we fund. This year we are launching three whole new areas of research, looking at language and communication, epilepsy and mental health. 

To support this growth and the high quality multi-year projects that we are funding, we need supporters to give regularly. One of the ways we will encourage that is through telephone fundraising.

Why are we using telephone fundraising?

Telephone fundraising is one of the most efficient and successful ways to inspire more people to support us and find new donors committed to giving regularly. It helps us to raise income to fund and grow our research.

Are we using an agency?

Yes, we are working closely with two agencies who will be reaching out to those that care about autism and autism research online and via telephone, where they have permission. Working this way is more cost effective and gives us access to professional and experienced fundraisers. All of the fundraisers are highly trained, passionate and motivated by our mission.

Is it regulated?

We will be training all our callers and telling them about Autistica and esnuring they are autism aware. We will closely monitor our telephone campaigns and also carry out mystery shopping, ensuring that the agencies are carrying out fundraising to a high standard and always follow the Institute of Fundrasing  code of practice.

How do I know if the fundraisers are genuine?

All of our fundraisers working on behalf of Autistica will announce where they are calling from Stratcom and on behalf of us. Our calls will take place during March 12th – April 7th 2018. Our fundraisers will ask for Direct Debit donations and if at any point you feel uncomfortable you can stop the call and they can have you sign up via our website.

Is signing up to give a Direct Debit secure?

Direct Debits are easy, safe and secure, giving you control on how much you wish to give. You can change your donation amount or cancel it at any time. Your Direct Debit is protected by the UK’s Direct Debit guarantee, which protects you in the rare event that there is an error in the payment and lets you cancel your Direct Debit at any time.